C. Eduardo Vargas's blog

Recently, Christians in Pakistan have been victims of violence against their religious communities. While the press paid relatively little attention to this bigotry (that is equal to anti-Semitism and Islamophobia) I am heartened to hear the support from Muslim—and non-Muslim--friends and organizations that do not condone and speak out against this type of religious violence. Lamentably, the interpretation –or misinterpretation – of religion has once again led to acts of violence that could never be justified or accepted by any religious ideology.

Recently, I attended a United Nations NGO meeting where human rights were a main part of the agenda. During the discussion, a person from the audience remarked that persecuted minorities should have the right to self-determination…a point that was not questioned or objected to at all.

As soon as I heard this point of view, I thought to myself: KOSOVO.

Next month, religious leaders from around the world will gather in Astana, Kazakhstan to participate in the Third Triennial Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions. American voices--reflecting our religious pluralism--will be echoed by a five person multi-faith delegation, in addition to the presence of Intersections’ staff members Sara Reef and myself, C. Eduardo Vargas.

While reading today’s New York Times article on the foiled bombing plot of two New York City synagogues, I couldn’t help but feeling outrage at this event.

Recently, while attending the Dubai International Humanitarian Aid & Development Conference, I had the privilege of hearing a representative from the Red Cross speak on the topic of human rights. After hearing his presentation and a call for all state

The new year started off on a very good note for Colombia. Two hostages held for over six years, by the narco-guerrillas of the FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia) were liberated and the son of one of the hostages was found safely in Bogotá. However, it seems the joys maybe ending as quickly as they started.

Recently, while having lunch with members of Faith in Public Life, a Washington, DC—based interfaith organization, the issue of religious communities intersecting with policy-makers came up. At first, I presume like any other American, I was thrown back to my U.S.